To kick off the Monterey uber-auto festival, Cadillac unveiled a new concept: the Ciel, named for the French word for "sky" and meant to suggest the next evolution of Caddy's art-and-science design paired with a V6 turbo hybrid. Caddy's going big.

While its unlikely to ever enter production, the massive four-door convertible suggests where Cadillac designers are heading on their assignment to re-establish the brand as the standard of the world, especially in the range-topping uber-Caddy expected in a few years. The merlot-and-wood color combinations won't wait so long, but the suicide doors are likely more styling studio flourish than production — although if stealing the trademark of the Lincoln Continental doesn't wake up Ford, I'm not sure what will.

The power for its 22-inch-wheels comes from a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion batteries. From olive wood accents to rear-seat aromatherapy, the interior of the Ciel goes to great lengths to evoke a French spa, something current Cadillacs can't accomplish. Being the standard of the world may take a few lessons in cultural immersion.